What is the difference between acute and chronic back pain?

Acute back pain is short-term typically lasting days to a few weeks and usually resolves as the injured tissue heals. Chronic back pain is defined as pain lasting three months or longer. The distinction matters because chronic pain often requires a different treatment approach: rather than simply resting and waiting for healing, it typically needs targeted intervention to address the underlying structural or neurological cause.

When should I see a pain specialist for chronic back pain?

You should consider seeing a pain specialist if your back pain has persisted for more than six weeks without clear improvement, if it radiates into your legs or causes numbness or weakness, or if it is affecting your ability to work, sleep, or carry out daily activities. At MVM Health’s Bethlehem Pain Clinic and NJ locations, specialists can evaluate your symptoms and identify the specific cause before recommending treatment.

What are the most effective pain treatments for chronic back pain?

The most effective treatments depend on the underlying cause. For disc-related pain, epidural injections and regenerative therapies like PRP are often highly effective. For facet joint arthritis, radiofrequency ablation provides durable relief. Some cases of spinal stenosis may respond well to the MILD procedure. For complex or treatment-resistant cases, spinal cord stimulation is one of the most evidence-based options available. MVM Health offers all of these and builds individualized plans for each patient.

Can chronic back pain go away on its own?

Some cases of chronic back pain do improve over time, particularly when the cause is muscular and the person makes meaningful lifestyle changes such as improving posture, strengthening their core, and reducing prolonged sitting. However, structural causes of herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and facet arthritis rarely resolve without direct intervention. Waiting typically allows these conditions to progress, which makes treatment more complex and recovery longer.

Does MVM Health treat patients from New Jersey?

Yes. MVM Health serves patients as pain specialists in NJ from locations in Scotch Plains and Stanhope, in addition to multiple Pennsylvania clinic locations including Bethlehem, East Stroudsburg, King of Prussia, and Reading. Telehealth consultations are also available for patients who prefer a virtual first visit. Schedule an appointment with MVM Health to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.

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Financial Hardship Request | For All Payers (Medicare and Commercial)

Patients with Commercial (Private) Insurance

In addition to relevant laws, private payor contracts generally require that the provider collect copays and deductibles. Failure to do so without the payor’s express approval would violate the contract terms and could result in claims for breach of contract or repayment. The health care provider may, however, elect to waive all or a portion of the Medicare patient responsibility if the health care provider determines that the beneficiary does not have the ability to pay. To assist us in determining if you have the ability to pay, please answer the following questions:

Medicare:

Medicare law requires a health care provider that accepts an assignment for services billed to the Medicare program, to bill the beneficiary for their portion of the cost of these services. The health care provider may, however, elect to waive all or a portion of the Medicare patient responsibility if the health care provider determines that the beneficiary does not have the ability to pay. To assist us in determining if you have the ability to pay, please answer the following questions:

Fill out the form below, or click here to download a soft copy version.

Financial Hardship Waiver

To assist us in determining if you have the ability to pay,
please answer the following questions.

Applicant Information

First Name *

Last Name *

Date of Birth *

Insurance ID Number

Street Address *

Street Address 2

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Email Address *

Net Monthly Income from All Sources

Family Size

Financial and Insurance Information

1. Are you receiving any type of financial assistance from local,
county, state, or federal government agencies? *

YesNo

If yes, describe this assistance

2. Do you have other health insurance in addition to Medicare
or the private insurance we have on file that covers
health-related products or services? *

YesNo

If yes, provide the name, address, and phone number of the coverage

3. Is a trust, guardian, or anyone else legally responsible
for your medical bills? *

YesNo

If yes, provide the person's name, address, and phone number

Certification and Consent

Electronic Signature — Type Your Full Name *

Date *

By typing your name above and submitting this form, you confirm
that your typed name is intended to serve as your electronic signature.

First Name

Last Name

Date of Birth

Street Address

Street Address 2

City

State

Zip

E-Mail Address

Medicare/Insurance ID Number

Net monthly income from all sources

Family size

1) Are you receiving any type of financial assistance from local, county, state, or federal government agencies?

Yes No

If yes, describe this assistance:

2) Do you have other health insurance in addition to Medicare that covers health related products or services?

Yes No

If yes, give the name, address, and phone number of coverage

3) Is a trust, guardian or anyone else legally responsible for your medical bills?

Yes No

If yes, give the name, address, and phone number of this person.

4) Do you own your own home?

Yes No

5) How much do you have in savings to which you have immediate access?

Yes No

POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES & THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SIZE OF FAMILY UNIT	POVERTY GUIDELINE	200% OF POVERTY GUIDELINE
1	$13,590	$27,180
2	$18,310	$36,620
3	$23,030	$46,060
4	$27,750	$55,500
5	$32,470	$64,940
6	$37,190	$74,380

I certify that the above information is true and correct and I request that the Medicare patient responsibility or a portion of it be waived. I agree to provide proof of all information above in the form of pay stubs, bank statements or any necessary documents to prove inability to pay.

I have reviewed and agree to the MVM Health Privacy Practices (click to review)

Digital Signature: Please type in your full name to sign.